Marcia Lynn Robertson, 72, of Wilmette, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Born on April 18, 1948 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Robert H. and Violet Helen Robertson. Marcia was the devoted and loving wife of 25 years to William "Bill" Leonard, and the beloved sister of Judith Robertson Krakow, Patti (Larry) Robertson Greenberg, Debby (Robert) Warren, Scott (Lauri) Robertson and Mark (Mary Joshua) Robertson. She was also the adoring aunt of eleven nieces and four nephews.

Marcia graduated from Madeira High School in Cincinnati and went on to receive her BA (1970) in Anthropology from the Ohio State University, and her MA (1971) and PhD (1984) in Biological Anthropology from the University of Michigan. Marcia was a skilled and talented anatomist and morphologist, trained in human evolutionary biology. For her doctoral research Marcia traveled to Kenya and to the major museums of Europe to study the fossil evidence for early human evolution. Over the span of her career, Marcia published numerous influential scholarly papers and book chapters that explored major trends and patterns in human evolutionary history. She held academic/research positions at the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University, and was an Affiliate of the Department of Anthropology at Northwestern University.

Marcia and Bill met in graduate school at the University of Michigan. Their life's journey together included stops in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Lexington, Kentucky, and Gainesville, Florida before settling in the suburbs of Chicago in 1998. Marcia, like her mother Violet, had a keen sense of adventure, and she thoroughly enjoyed travelling and the many rich and varied experiences she shared with family and friends. In particular, she loved studying and exploring the natural world, a passion that she shared with her husband Bill. They also shared a love of music, often attending concerts of their favorite artists (Prince, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, the Kingston Trio, the Buena Vista Social Club, Ladysmith Black Mambazo).

Marcia's grace, courage, and fierce determination in facing many health challenges over the course of her life is a source of strength to her family and friends. Marcia's deep Christian faith guided her life and provided comfort during difficult times. Her family brought Marcia joy and a great sense of fulfillment. The love, care, and unfailing support that Marcia provided to her family was beyond measure. She will be missed by so many.

A private family service will be held at the Madeira - Silverwood Presbyterian Church and Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, the Nature Conservancy, or the American Lung Association, in loving memory of Marcia Robertson.

Service

Monday, March 29, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Madeira Silverwood Presbyterian 8000 Miami Avenue Cincinnati 45243, United States